Children are highlight of Rodgers' 'Wizard'

"THE WIZARD OF OZ," through Feb. 7, Rodgers Memorial Theatre, 292 E. Pages Lane, Centerville, (801-298-1302); running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (one intermission).

There have been many times I've left a production thinking, "If it only had some heart" — which was not at all the case after Rodgers Memorial Theatre's season opener, "The Wizard of Oz."

As I watched the Munchkins steal the show, I told myself, "This is everything I love about good community theater."

Big kudos to first-time Rodgers director Addie Holman, who handled two casts of 35 (Rodgers double-casts their shows) — somewhere around 18 of those being kids and teenagers and one little Yorkie named Hurley, in the very important role of Toto. Sure, there were some missteps at Saturday night's show, but the joy and preparedness of the cast kept the focus where it should be — on "getting home."

Wearing the blue and white checkered pinafore was Dana Rasmussen (double cast with Julie Rappleye) who had all the fiery bravery Dorothy needs. She delivered a lovely "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," under the musical direction of Kevin Mathie.

Her cohorts on the journey to Oz were equally delightful. Scarecrow Brian Call (Ricky Parkinson) had a wonderful floppiness and great falls; Tin Man Chuck Gilmore (Brady Cash) did a very fun "just been oiled" dance; and the Lion David C. Hill (Brett Garlick) was a favorite of the many kids in the house.

Jana Plowman's Glinda (Arianne Green) and Rebecca Hess's Wicked Witch (Suzie Morgan) rounded out the lead roles quite nicely, capturing the familiar foes with much energy.

But the true stars of the show were the children. Their exuberance and enthusiasm were infectious and had me sitting there smiling anytime they took the stage.

Rebecca Crompton's costumes were absolutely darling. "The Wizard of Oz" is a show that takes creativity — costuming such fantastical creatures and settings, and Crompton more than delivered. The colorful Munchkins and emerald Ozians were standouts. I also really enjoyed the Apple Trees, the Poppy Field and the crows.

Susan S. DeMill's choreography was cute, colorful and energetic.

The sets, designed by JD Madsen, were functional and, for the most part, nicely handled the shows many locations. However, Saturday night's cast was late on many of the set changes, leaving random cast members making the change while the action continued in the foreground. The set changes also took a long time in general, making the show feel longer than it is.

Rodgers' "Wizard" is exactly what community theater is all about: large cast so everyone can be involved; lots of spotlight roles; kids and parents participating together and enough creativity to make limited budgets seem like a non issue.

Dorothy was right — "there really is no place like home." And if you want a good night of family theater, "you don't have to look any farther than your own backyard."

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com